Fahrenheit to Celsius Converter
Convert Fahrenheit to Celsius instantly. Type any °F temperature and get the exact °C result. Includes the formula, common temperature reference points, and weather examples.
Degrees Celsius (°C)
Need the reverse? Convert degrees Celsius to degrees Fahrenheit →
Common Degrees Fahrenheit to Degrees Celsius Conversions
| degrees Fahrenheit (°F) | degrees Celsius (°C) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| -40 °F | -40 °C | Same in both scales |
| 0 °F | -17.78 °C | Freezing point of saltwater |
| 32 °F | 0 °C | Freezing point of water |
| 68 °F | 20 °C | Room temperature |
| 98.6 °F | 37 °C | Normal body temperature |
| 212 °F | 100 °C | Boiling point of water |
| 350 °F | 176.67 °C | Standard baking temperature |
| 400 °F | 204.44 °C | Hot oven |
| 450 °F | 232.22 °C | Very hot oven / pizza temperature |
The Fahrenheit-to-Celsius Formula
The formula to convert Fahrenheit to Celsius is: °C = (°F − 32) × 5/9. First subtract 32 (to remove the Fahrenheit offset from the 32°F freezing point), then multiply by 5/9 (≈ 0.5556) to scale the degree size. The Celsius scale sets 0° at the freezing point of water and 100° at boiling. The Fahrenheit scale sets 32° at freezing and 212° at boiling — a span of 180°F compared to 100°C, giving the 5/9 ratio between the two. The only temperature where Fahrenheit and Celsius are equal is −40° (the scales cross at that point).
Key Temperature Reference Points
Memorizing a handful of reference temperatures makes Fahrenheit-Celsius estimation intuitive. Water freezes at 32°F = 0°C and boils at 212°F = 100°C. Normal human body temperature is 98.6°F = 37°C. A comfortable room temperature is typically around 68–72°F = 20–22°C. A warm spring day might be 75°F ≈ 24°C. A hot summer day is 95°F ≈ 35°C. A moderately cold winter day is 32°F = 0°C. Standard baking temperature is 350°F ≈ 177°C (recipes often round to 180°C). A very hot oven for pizza or bread is 450–500°F ≈ 232–260°C.
Why Two Temperature Scales Exist
The Fahrenheit scale was developed by Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit in 1724, using the freezing point of a brine solution (0°F) and human body temperature (96°F, later revised to 98.6°F) as reference points. The Celsius scale (originally Centigrade) was introduced by Anders Celsius in 1742 and uses the more scientifically natural references of water's freezing and boiling points at sea level. Today, the US is one of only a handful of countries that still primarily uses Fahrenheit for everyday weather and cooking; the rest of the world and all of science uses Celsius. The scientific baseline is Kelvin (absolute zero = 0 K = −273.15°C), which is used in thermodynamics and physics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the formula to convert Fahrenheit to Celsius?
°C = (°F − 32) × 5/9. Subtract 32, then multiply by 5/9. For example, 77°F: (77 − 32) × 5/9 = 45 × 5/9 = 25°C.
What is 98.6°F in Celsius?
98.6°F = 37°C exactly. This is normal human body temperature. The 98.6°F value is itself derived from the 37°C figure (37 × 9/5 + 32 = 98.6).
What is room temperature in Celsius and Fahrenheit?
Room temperature is typically defined as 20–22°C (68–72°F). ASTM International defines standard room temperature as 23°C (73.4°F); the WHO defines it as 18–20°C for comfort.
At what temperature are Fahrenheit and Celsius the same?
−40° is the only temperature where Fahrenheit and Celsius are equal. (−40 − 32) × 5/9 = −72 × 5/9 = −40. This is also a relevant real-world temperature for extreme cold weather and some industrial applications.